Investigation launched into freight train fire in Russia

An investigation has been launched into the cause of a fire that erupted after a Russian freight train carrying liquefied gas derailed and exploded in the Kirov region on Wednesday afternoon, reports the Russian press. According to NineNews.com, more than 300 rescue workers were needed to control a blaze on the 72-carriage train that came off the tracks due to faulty wiring at 4.30am. It reported that 12 of the carriages filled with natural gas burst into flames. Reuters reported that the fire took six hours to contain after it spread to 30 garages and a warehouse near the railway line. There have been no reports of any injuries.